"I've had my moment" - When Kobe ruled out the opportunity to play in the 2016 Olympics

Despite declaring his intention to retire at the end of the season, the entire basketball world hoped that Kobe Bryant would at least consider one last dance by playing for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Games. The 'Black Mamba' cemented his case as one of America's finest athletes who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals, and joining at Rio and winning another one would be a considerable fairy tale ending to seal his legacy.

But amid the public clamor for him to join the Stars and Stripes, Kobe opted not to participate out of respect for himself and the other well-deserving players.

"Since my retirement announcement, I'm able to watch these guys in a different light," said Bryant . "I've come to terms with the fact that they are the future of this game. These are the guys who deserve the spots in Rio. These are the guys who people need to watch and root for. These are the guys to show fans where this game is going in the future. I've had my moment."

Retire with Purple and Gold

At age 37, Bryant fully acknowledged that he was already in the twilight of his career and that his ship had finally sailed in competing on the international stage.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend was already running on fumes as plenty of injuries bruised his body in the past few seasons. He couldn't handle an added wear and tear anymore. Kobe would rather pull his candidacy than be a significant distraction and a roadblock for a younger player to savor an opportunity to represent the States.

Bryant had indelible moments by having 'USA' on his chest — helping the nation recover its lost glory by leading the 'Redeem Team' atop the 2008 Beijing Olympics and eventually defending their crown four years later in London.

In his entire run with them across five various tournaments, the United States didn't endure a single loss throughout 36 combined games with the Mamba on their roster. Instead of taking a farewell tour in Rio, Kobe was convinced to conclude his illustrious career in a much more appropriate way—as a Laker in front of his beloved Staples Center crowd.

"If they want me to come down and speak to the guys, I will, but that's about it," Bryant said . "As beautiful as it would be to play for the country — I mean, I love our country — when I say my last game, it's going to be my last game. … I think it's pretty sweet to have the final game be in a Lakers uniform."

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A perfect ending on both ends

In the end, Kobe didn't make the mistake of ending his chances to play in the 2016 Rio Olympics. He and Team USA followed their own special paths and relished their respective experiences.

Bryant continued playing the remainder of the 2015-16 season and had a memorable career finale , exploding for a 60-point masterpiece against the Utah Jazz. In an emotional performance for the ages right in front of the jam-packed Staples Center, Kobe couldn't ask for a last game for himself to officially end his historic career.

A few months later, Team USA constructed a formidable 12-man roster with 10 new faces behind veterans Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. They ultimately dominated the men's basketball scene in Rio, going undefeated to clinch the nation's third straight gold medal.

Related: "I'd like to think that we were a little bit smarter" - MJ refuted Kobe's claim that the 2012 USA Squad would beat the Dream Team